The Flood

But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. Jeremiah 29:7

On holiday in the south of England, I had the opportunity to go to the small town of Boscastle, Cornwall, a place I had never visited. It interested me because of what had happened there a few years earlier.

At midday on August 16, 2004, heavy thundershowers developed in the area. Incredible amounts of rain fell in a short time. Boscastle rapidly flooded. Nearly 2 million tons of water were recorded as having swept through the main street and into the harbor. It affected about a thousand residents and visitors.

Fortunately, there were no fatalities. Seven helicopters, which quickly arrived, airlifted more than a hundred people to safety. People helped one another.

The record books in the newly built visitors’ center say the flood hit about 60 properties, and some buildings had to be demolished. More than 80 wrecked cars ended up in the harbor. Records called this the largest peacetime rescue in the history of mainland Britain.

My mind could not help but reflect on the Bible story of Noah’s flood and the implications of it in the lives of so many people. I am grateful to be able to cling to faith in God and faith in our community. We praise God for companions on our journey who bless us with hope.

Prayer for Peace:

Faithful God, may we remember to call on you when we are overwhelmed. When Earth’s powerful elements challenge us, help us see the rainbow.

Spiritual Practice for the Week: Offering Blessings of Community

Each day this week receive and share blessings of community. Begin with a prayer of gratitude for the network of relationships in your life. See and feel connections with family members, spiritual friends, people in your congregation and community, people and creatures in God’s sacred web of life.

What blessings flow to you from these circles? Reflect, pray, and write in your journal about the call to be “Community of Christ.” Go deeper each day as you “discern and embrace” the “divine blessing” of this name that opens you to “become a blessing to the whole creation” (Doctrine and Covenants 163:1). What act of blessing are you invited to complete?

Peace Covenant:

Today, God, I will be aware of the welfare needs of my community and the world.